Our Dances

Hula O Kahawai presents dances old (kahiko) and new (‘auana), using ancient and modern interpretations. We incorporate a variety of implements, including the ipu (a gourd drum), ‘ili‘ili (stones used as castanets), ‘ulī‘ulī (feathered gourd rattles), pū‘ili (split bamboo sticks), and kalā‘au (rhythm sticks).

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Aia La 'O Pele I Hawai‘i This traditional hula kahiko pays tribute to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Pele, the fire goddess of all volcanic activity. The gestures in this dance symbolize powerful rivers of molten lava, fires rising above the cliffs, lava popping and hissing as it devours everything in its path. Pele is regarded as both destroyer and giver of life; she personifies the cycles of nature from birth to destruction to rebirth.

Haleakalā This song pays homage to the majestic mountain Haleakalā on Maui. It is danced with kalā‘au (rhythm sticks).

Hawai‘i Aloha If you ever go to a concert in Hawai‘i, everyone rises at the end, holds hands and sings this song together as one. It symbolizes the aloha—love—for Hawai‘i Nei.

O Hawai‘i sands of my birth
My native home rejoice in the blessing of heaven
O Hawai‘i love
Happy youth of Hawai‘i, rejoice, rejoice
Gentle breezes blow, love always for Hawai‘i

Hawaiian Wedding Song This song, often performed at weddings, is performed at Kaua‘i's famous Fern Grotto.

He Mele No Lilo This song, performed by Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu and the Kamehameha School Children's Chorus, is from the movie Lilo and Stitch, and honors the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom: Queen Lili'uokalani and King David Kalakaua.

King Kalakaua ruled the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1874 – 1891. As a lover of music, poetry and philosophy, King Kalakaua labored diligently to restore his native culture and traditions and to prevent their extinction amidst the growing influences of the flow of immigrants. He is attributed to restoring the artforms of the chant, hula, myths and legends, and the public performance of these artforms. He was proud of his heritage and sought to restore the self-esteem of all Hawaiians. Nicknamed the “Merrie Monarch”, King Kalakaua is honored today with an annual week-long festival of hula and Hawaiian culture. Hula halaus come together from all parts of the world to dance and honor King Kalakaua. He inoa no ka lani Kalakaua-ku lele ~ A name song for the chief Kalakaua.

Queen Lili’uokalani ascended to the throne at the death of her brother, David Kalakaua in 1891.  Her reign lasted through 1893 when she was forced to abdicate the monarchy.  She was an accomplished writer and her story is recorded in her book, Hawaii’s Story. Lili’uokalani played the guitar, zither, ukelele, piano and organ.  She has also written many songs, most famous being Aloha ‘Oe,( Farewell to Thee). 

Ho’okipa Paka This beach on the north shore of Maui has monster waves and great windsurfing. Ho‘kipa Paka celebrates Welcome Park, where people come to rest under shade by the hau tree leaf, watch surfers, and feel the sea spray tingle their skin. Choreography by Sonny Ching.

I Ali‘i Nō ‘Oe This fast, traditional Hawaiian song is performed with the colorful ‘ulī‘ulī (feathered gourd rattles). The first lyrics translate to: You are a chief and I am a commoner, obedient to your command. The song continues with: You are insincere, I’ve lost my love for you, those eyes wink at someone else… And finally: This bird will break the bonds that bind.

Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai This song is a beautiful mele praising plants of the sea. It speaks of the fragrance of the līpoa (seaweed) and the enticing limu kohu (an edible reef plant used for flavor in Hawaiian cooking).

Kawaipunahele This beautiful yet wistful love song by Keali‘i Reichel tells the story of a never-fading lei, a symbol for a cherished sweetheart for whom he yearns. 

Ke ao nani This tranquil song is danced with ‘ili‘ili (stones used as castanets) and was written for children. Meaning “The Beautiful World”, it has five versus, each about an element in nature: Above, birds of the heavens. Below, flowers of the earth. In the mountains, the forest. In the sea, fishes of the ocean. This is the story of the beautiful world, in the name of the children. We dance this either noho (sitting down) or standing up.

Ke Kaua A Kukauakahi Chanted by Mark Ho'omalu. This kahiko describes the Battle of the Owls. A man named Kapo'i took eggs from an owl's nest. After the owl pleaded, Kapo'i returned the eggs and built a heiau (temple) called Manua in honor of th eowls. Kakuihewa, King of Oahu, learned of this and decided Kapo'i should be put to death. Owls came to the resuce, covering the sky, pecking and scratching with their claws. The owls conquered and Kapo'i was released. From that time, owls have been recognized as a powerful aumakua (personal god or family protector).

Ku‘u Hoa This song, which means My Companion, was written by Francis Keali`inohopono Beamer for his wife. It is danced with an ‘ulī‘ulī (feathered gourd rattle) in one hand, and a pū‘ili (split bamboo stick) in the other. This touching love song begins with "Love for my sweetheart, My gentle-eyed companion, Who resides in the mountains..."

Lei Hinahina This song expresses the discontent of unrequited love. The woman – referred to as “lei Hinahina” is being worn (courted) by someone worthless who is “hoe hewa,” unskilled at lovemaking.

Mai Ha’i ia Ha’i The music composition and choreography of this playful hula ‘auana are by Robert Cazimero. The song begins telling the story of the full moon in the vast sky and hints at a love that should remain a secret ~ "tell no one of our closeness, a favor for me, please dear, tell no one."

Maunaleo This song tells of the beauty of the mountain Mauanleo on Maui, near Wailuku, on the north shore. Maunaleo stands majestic, proud, a beacon of comfort, warmth, and love.

Nā Hana Nui A Māui This serious kahiko dance is performed with stiff, strong movements and uses a popular percussion instrument called the “ipu”—a hollowed out gourd.

Na Ka Pueo This upbeat dance pays homage to a beloved ship named The Pueo and is danced with the Ipu, a gourd implement.

Nani Hanalei Beautiful Hanalei is on the North Shore of Kaua‘i, a land of waterfalls, mountains, and beauty that comes across in the songs that honor this place. We know two versions of this song, one is fast and performed with pū‘ili (split bamboo sticks), the other is a slow ‘auana version.

Pua Hone This ‘auana hula dance gracefully depicts the love a man has for his pua hone, or "honey flower."

What A Wonderful World First performed at the 2006 Festival of Lights, Hula O Kahawai wanted to do a dance in the name of peace.

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